The phrase "face mask" was totally redefined in 2020. Pre-COVID, a face mask was considered a supplemental step in a men's skincare routine to give your skin a little boost. While the other face masks are critical in controlling the spread of COVID-19, today we're talking about the face masks for skincare.
When you're looking for a new face mask to add to your skincare arsenal, consider your skin goals and your skin type. While face masks are unisex, the best
Once you start masking regularly, you’ll become addicted to that post-facial glow and personal at-home spa treatment. Below, we’ve rounded up the best face masks for every skin type and concern.
Best Face Mask Overall
Lumin Intensive Reconditioning Face Mask
Let’s be honest: You’re probably not drinking enough water during the day. When your body is dehydrated, your skin shows it. If you’re not properly hydrated, your body is going to pull water away from your skin and direct it to your vital organs, leaving your face feeling and looking dry, dull, and lifeless. This hydrating mask from Lumin provides an intense boost of moisture to parched skin in as little as 10 minutes. We love a multitasker, and this mask not only hydrates with the help of replenishing hyaluronic acid, but it also contains niacinamide to reduce inflammation, as well as ginger extract to fight free radicals and even out your skin tone. Slap on this sheet mask and quench thirsty skin instantly.
Best Sheet Mask
Loops Night Shift Mask
A 2020 Grooming Awards winner, Loops masks stand out among the competition. Most face masks are basically sheets dipped in serums. Typically, they’re made of cotton, but Loops’ masks are made using a thick hydrogel that retains a much larger amount of liquid, and they can easily cling to skin. It comes in two parts, which means you can use just the top half if you have facial hair, and it can fit almost any face shape.
Caution: Its super-sticky gel may make it a bit of a hassle to unpack, but we promise that the results are worth the extra effort. Loops’ Night Shift mask contains anti-aging ingredients that speed up collagen production. After wearing it before bedtime for 10 minutes, we woke up to clearer, plumper skin. “It makes you feel damn good after putting on,” says influencer Brendan Fallis. Enough said.
Best Spot Treatment
Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Masque
Clay masks work wonders on active breakouts and stubborn acne. Key purifying ingredients include calming chamomile bud, astringent tea tree leaf, and evening primrose, alongside botanical extracts. Entrepreneur and fitness expert Devon Levesque turned us onto this clarifying clay mask in his grooming journal, which he uses as an overnight spot treatment. "I’ll throw this on any blemishes or acne breakouts at night," says Devon.
Best Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask
Typically, face masks that are formulated for men who suffer blemishes contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can be incredibly irritating for sensitive skin. That's why we love this sulfur treatment, which tends to be more gentle — yet still effective — than the aforementioned ingredients. Yes, it's a little more expensive than your drugstore acne treatments. But in this case, it's truly worth every penny and then some.
Best Face Mask for Dry Skin
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask
Dr.Jart's Tiger Grass collection is remarkably effective on dry skin, and this mask is the crown jewel of the line. The secret is in the proprietary derma complex that brings together Tiger Grass (Centella Asiatica, aka Cica) with a hydrating blend of herbs, minerals, a moisturizing humectant, and a probiotic ferment to soothe dry skin. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, the leave-on mask can be applied as the final step in your routine before bed. In the morning, rinse it off with lukewarm water to reveal radiant skin.
Best Face Mask for Mature Skin
Jaxon Lane Bro Mask
The Bro Mask from Jaxon Lane has won several awards, not only because Nick Jonas is a fan but also because it actually works. It’s a sheet mask with a gel consistency that's cut into two halves (for those of you with that quarantine beard still going strong). It’s packed with antioxidants, collagen, and plant extracts that are scientifically proven to improve the appearance of mature skin. It targets redness, uneven tone, fine lines, and wrinkles. The glowing reviews come from users that have been flooded with compliments after each use; you’ll see.
Best Face Mask for Sensitive Skin
Paula's Choice Super Hydrate Overnight Mask
This overnight mask abounds with skin-soothing antioxidants. Reishi mushroom and cloudberry calm sensitive skin instantly. Soothing plant extracts and a sensitivity-inhibiting peptide work together to tame redness and leave your complexion visibly calmer and clearer for hours after use. Hydrating shea butter and glycerin deliver long-lasting hydration for even the most sensitive skin types.
Best Face Mask for Oily Skin
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask
There’s nothing worse than a midday oil buildup on your forehead, especially when you’re out and about or in work meetings facing people all day. (Yes, Zoom meetings count.) Finding the right face mask for oily skin is probably the trickiest task on this list. The goal should be a quick fix, but should also contribute to long-term maintenance. We recommend seeking out a clay mask to absorb and draw out oil and impurities.
This Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask is one of our best-kept secrets (check out that price!). You can mix the clay powder with water or apple cider vinegar (if you have less sensitive skin). It’s an all-natural clay formula that detoxes, tightens, and completely cleans your pores. It can be a bit messy to mix it yourself, but totally worth it.
Best Face Mask for Textured Skin
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Banish grease for good with this powerful, pro-quality 20-minute "facial in a bottle." A potent blend of 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids instantly smooth texture while clearing out and minimizing the look of pores. If you're someone who doubts the effectiveness of skincare, this one mask will certainly change your mind. Its effects are felt immediately, and it truly does reveal baby soft skin you never even knew you had under all those layers of built-up dead skin cells.
We hope this helps you do right by your face. If you still need some help with taking care of your skin, check out our guides to the best skincare gift sets, the best fair trade grooming products, the best reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreens, and the best toners for clean and healthy skin.
The cover photo was provided by PxHere.
